Parvovirus

Parvovirus, a highly infectious disease of dogs, is still a major cause for concern with intermittent outbreaks affecting puppies and dogs across the Crookwell and Goulburn districts.

Vaccination is essential to protect pets and working dogs from this potentially fatal disease.

Parvovirus first appeared as recently as 1978 and has since become one of the most serious diseases affecting dogs worldwide. It is often fatal and mainly (but not always) affects younger animals, particularly puppies and unvaccinated dogs. The death rate in young non-vaccinated puppies can be over 80 per cent.

The virus is extremely hardy and can live in the soil for up to 7 years and for many months on clothing, shoes and floors. This makes the virus very difficult to control in the environment.

Symptoms

Affected puppies or dogs suddenly become tired, depressed and stop eating. These initial signs rapidly progress to vomiting followed by severe haemorrhagic (bloody) and often foul smelling diarrhoea, dehydration and obvious signs of pain. Early treatment is critical.

Treatment

Treatment can be prolonged and expensive. It involves intensive, 24 hour I/V fluid therapy, control of vomiting, pain relief and other supportive treatment. Pain relief is important – the virus causes enormous damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Prevention

Visit the Animal Care section of our website to read about vaccination schedules in puppies and dogs. Phone us any time on (02) 4832 1977 – we can check your pet’s vaccination status or make an appointment to have your dog vaccinated.